Matt Forte’s 12,718 yards from scrimmage as Bear would be the most in franchise history for 14 other NFL teams.

Of course, none of those teams had Walter Payton.

Forte joined Devin Hester in retiring from the game of football Monday at a ceremony at Halas Hall. He left Chicago with 8,602 rushing yards, also second in franchise history to Payton. Following two seasons with the Jets, Forte retires with 9,796 rushing yards and 14,468 yards from scrimmage.

No player in the NFL has more yards from scrimmage since 2008.

In Chicago, Forte was often the team’s best offensive weapon. He was widely respected in town — albeit underrated nationally, and sometimes locally with fans who were never satisfied with his breakaway speed. Forte went to only two Pro Bowls and never had more than nine rushing touchdowns in a season, but he was a pure dual-threat back, a role that has become rarer each year in the NFL. His route-running and pass-catching abilities...

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